Band name: Covenant
Title: Skyshaper
Genre: Electro
Release Date: 3rd of March, 2006 (Germany) / 6th of March, 2006 (Europe/US)
Record Company / Label: SPV
Introduction
Together with VNV Nation and Apoptygma Berzerk, Swedish band Covenant is part of a troika which, in a way, founded a new genre within the cosmos of electronic music – Future Pop. These bands are the “Big Three” who recreated something that was formerly known as Electronic Body Music by adding elements from Trance, Techno and other contemporary electronic (dance) music combined with big melodies and Pop appeal. Future Pop was born, although Covenant rather refer to their music as “Pop music with an edge” than being pigeonholed in a genre that doesn’t exactly do justice to Covenant’s music. There has always been more to their music than “only” Future Pop. Eskil Simonsson, Joakim Montelius and Clas Nachmanson especially proved that with their 2002 output “Northern Light”, which had the typical Future Pop anthems like “Call the Ships To Port” or “We Stand Alone” but also challenging little gems like the haunting “Rising Sun”, the melancholic “Atlas” or the underrated “Winter Comes”. After a long wait the Electro scene is holding their breath for “Skyshaper”, Covenant’s first album in four years.
Line-Up
Eskil Simonsson (chief songwriter, lead vocals, lyrics, keyboards, computers)
Joakim Montelius (chief lyrics writer, music, keyboards, computers, vocal noise)
Clas Nachmanson (keyboards, computers, vocals)
Song Review
01. Ritual Noise – 7:20
This is the song some people may already be familiar with as “Ritual Noise” is the headlining track of the EP which preceeds the album release. Especially the brilliant “version S” of “Ritual Noise” is already shaking the dancefloors of clubs around the world. “Ritual Noise” is a classic dance track in Covenant style, and especially the catchy vocoder voice and the tribal drums of the single versions make this song an excellent dance track. Unfortunately those tribal drums are a little neglected on the album version of “Ritual Noise”, and with over seven minutes this version seems a little too long. Sometimes brevity is the soul of the wit. Very good song but the album version is not on par with some of the remixes on the EP.
02. Pulse – 6:06
Covenant have already performed this song live on their more recent shows and “Pulse” left a very promising impression at these occasions. It’s a little untypical song for Covenant as it has a certain analogue retro-feel to it. “Pulse” would have suited perfectly the ElectroClash wave which conquered the dance clubs one or two years ago from New York and labels like International DJ Gigolo Records. Maybe that has been one of the latest influences for Covenant. “Pulse” is a cool and groovy anthem but perhaps it could have been beefed up a little more for it’s studio version. But it will be a live favourite at the forthcoming Covenant tour, that’s for sure!
03. Happy Man – 2:48
Well, this is defintitely the strangest piece of music Covenant has ever released! “Happy Man” is a bleepy ballad with, despite the title, quite tragic lyrics. “I don’t love no-one, I just want my fun, yes I’m a happy man!” Musically it’s something you would rather expect from a band like “Welle:Erdball” as it has C64-like sounds and a melody which reminds of some nursery rhyme. Eskil Simonsson sings in a rather high note, and I don’t think that it works particularly well in this case. To be honest, although I appreciate the lyrics it’s musically my least favourite Covenant song. It’s the kind of song bands should use for a single b-side (or for the “Ritual Noise EP”, for that matter). As the third song of “Skyshaper” it destroys a little the flow of the album and spoils the overall impression, at least for me. Maybe it should at least have been placed in the second half of the album. Whatever, not exactly my cup of tea but probably others will love it.
04. Brave New World – 5:26
This song, which also has been already played live, is one of the highlights of the album! The cute keyboard melody won’t leave your mind once heard. “Brave New World” has a strong Synth-Pop feel to it but as usual with Covenant they added some edges here and there, like distorted vocals and a harder techno-ish beat. A very good candidate for future single releases!
05. The Men – 3:19
This song is a double-edged sword as it is such a hellish groove with excellently done rhythm patterns but on the other hand it just starts, goes on, and ends. That is, “The Men” would have benefited from a little more structure. It sounds great but seems to be a little unfinished.
06. Sweet And Salty – 6:12
A bassline like a machine gun and stomping Techno beats – this song reminds me a lot on “Fixmer/McCarthy” and as Joakim Montelius revealed that he quite liked the “Fixmer/McCarthy” album it may have actually been an influence for this track. But don’t expect Covenant vocalist Eskil Simonsson shouting like Douglas McCarthy – he’s doing it in his own style, very subdued, demanding, and at times almos like spoken word. It probably takes a while to get into it but “Sweet And Salty” will exploit it’s full charme soon. And for those who feel that “Skyshaper” is a bit too poppy and mellow for their tastes – this is the track you will love!
07. Greater Than The Sun – 5:11
With “Greater Than The Sun” Covenant explore their darker and more experimental side. Thus it affiliates with songs like “Winter Comes” from their 2002 album “Northern Light”, and fans who liked 1996’s “Sequencer” album will love this! A very atmospheric song, though it has a slow but growling bass line. Excellent stuff!
08. 20 Hz – 5:11
This is another candidate for a single release. In this case I would love to see “20 Hz” being released as a single not only because it’s a very good and catchy tune but also because I think the song would benefit from being remixed. I like the song, but I have the impression that “20Hz” was a written as midtempo song and speeded up with hindsight. The pumping techno beats are not 100% in place with the rest of the song, especially the vocals, so though it’s a great song (and definitely a crowd pleaser at the next shows!) it has a few flaws if you take a closer look at it. Remix it, and do some finetuning, boys! ;-)
09. Spindrift – 7:02
Just like “Greater Than The Sun”, Covenant display their arty and experimental side with this song. Eskil’s vocals are like a narration (and the lyrics seem indeed to tell some sort of story) over pulsating and throbbing beat. The song also features some haunting female vocals (not sure if it’s sampled or not) and layers and layers of strange noises you will explore more with each listen. Again, excellent track and something for your headphones!
10. The World Is Growing Loud – 4:57
The album ends with one of Covenant’s most melancholic and dreamy ballads. “The World Is Growing Loud” is a perfect album closer, so touching that it will leave you staring at the wall once the music finished with a certain strange feeling somewhere between euphoria and sadness. Hard to put it in words, so just go and try yourself! Brilliant!
Extras
None, Promo version
Technical Information
Total Playing Time: 53:39
Tracks: 10
Cover Artwork
Conclusion
For me it took a while to get into the long-awaited new Covenant album “Skyshaper”. To be honest, I didn’t like it at all when I first listened to it and was left with a feeling of disappointment. But after several listens I discovered the beauty of the album. “Skyshaper” benefits from a very very strong second half and it takes a while to discover that. I think “Skyshaper” will never be my favourite Covenant album but to be fair, in its best moments it’s on par with Covenant’s best! But Covenant’s struggle for the perfect album continues…
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 9
Extra's: n/a
Total: 8 (7.8)
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